Let 2017 be the year that resolutions become action items to be and feel awesome about yourself and your business! For most of us, the New Year is about assessing the challenges, results and successes of the past year to decide what to implement moving forward. The bottom line is always important; however, how we feel about last year’s results, and how we want to feel this year is paramount.
We intentionally chose the phrase “action items” instead of resolutions. A laundry list of resolutions is only as good as the action and implementation behind it. And let’s not forget that a large percentage of people never follow through on their resolutions. Only 8% of people who set resolutions actually achieve them.
By assessing, observing and evaluating, you can decide to create healthy habits, little by little, for lasting positive results. According to BJ Fogg, behavior scientist at Stanford University, by practicing a tiny habit (a behavior you do at least once a day, takes less than 30 seconds and requires little effort), you can change a behavior to create a desired outcome you want. Create healthy habits that are reliable and systematic that lead to desired outcomes and successful end results.
Instead of resolutions, what tiny habits – action items – can you take beginning today? If you want to be healthier and have more energy, perhaps it’s as simple as using a fitbit to monitor how many steps you take a day or doing a “2 min” breathing exercise to relax every day. Or maybe it’s as simple as looking at yourself in the mirror in the morning before you get your day started, and say to yourself out loud while smiling: “I am going to have a great day no matter what shows up today”.
Analysis of the past year and a review of your short term and long-term business plan and/or goals and desired outcomes is a great place to start. Take stock to make better sense of the past year. What were your successes? What failures and disappointments did you experience, and what did you learn from them? Get curious! What led to success? What learning experience caused disappointments? How can you shift your mindset and implementation for positive results this year? What is your vision for 2017? Where are you going and what will guide your journey both professionally and personally? Are you clear about your purpose and are your action items congruent with your values and your beliefs? What drives you? What is your passion? How can you assist others at outstanding levels through your services and get compensated?
Apply these same questions to your team. How did the team succeed? What strengths did they apply that generated great results? Who needs what to enhance their skills? What challenges arose for the team? What does the team need to be more successful internally and externally?
Here are some action items that are important and will give you a jump start for 2017!
Network, Education, and Tools – Conferences, industry meetings, empowerment seminars, podcasts and educational books and videos are great ways to expand networks, education, and add some important tools for you as a business leader and also for your team. Interacting with others in your respective industry is a great way to be updated on the latest trends and technology and also to see what the competition is doing. Check on local, regional, national and international conferences and schedule time out of the office and business environment for yourself and your team to bring back information and new ideas! For those interested in a great South Florida event, Office Depot Foundation is hosting the 2017 Women’s Symposium and Karen Pfeffer is presenting “Step Into Your Power”.
Company Retreat – Stepping away from the office and coordinating the facilitation of an all staff retreat for your team for a full day or even a few days can be a powerful way to start a new year or generate a boost mid-year. Successful corporate retreats are a combination of team building, brainstorming, and important downtime for the team. A retreat can be very good for business and improve your bottom line. It is also a great option to break through “Silo Mentality” and get your departments working together.
Team Building and Empowerment – We have witnessed incredible shifts when we facilitate team building activities and empowerment seminars! Team building activities like board breaking and Building Bikes, Empowering Children result in more cohesive and energized teams. As well, leaders are able to see the strengths and weaknesses of each member and the team as a whole as they move through the activities. Here are some great ideas on other ways to empower your team!
Creative Thinking for Creative Leadership – How creative is your problem solving? How collaborative is your leadership style? Moving into the New Year is a great time to implement some new tactics and new styles to work with and inspire your team more effectively. Delegate more frequently to free up some of your time as a leader to work on leading, which does not always mean overseeing every aspect of the day to day.
Social Media – Social media is not going away and customers are becoming more used to interacting with their companies on these social platforms. Utilizing social media as a way to connect with customers, to supplement other types of marketing, and to make new technology work for you is smart business. Analyze the platform that will work for your business and get social!
Self Care – Self-care is good for your business because YOU are the heart and soul of your business. If you aren’t well, that affects your team and the business. How can you promote self care in the New Year? Learn to listen more to your body and mind, don’t push past the fatigue, and take your downtime seriously.
Fire Power Seminars wishes you a prosperous, action-oriented and awesome 2017! How can we help you make your business better? Fire Power Seminars offers empowerment seminars that expand positive action and promote positive reinforcement for individuals and teams – all the best of self-care! For more information about empowerment, team building and transformation, contact Karen at 954.232.4486 or Karen@FirePowerSeminars.com
Karen PfefferKaren is passionate about sharing powerful programs on communication, empowerment, team building and transformation. With a father from Kansas and a mother from Puerto Rico, Karen has a unique cultural mix that has inspired her to challenge stereotypes and “push the envelope” at every opportunity. She co-founded Fire Power Seminars with Connie Phelan in 2006 to empower individuals, organizations, and companies to achieve more than they ever thought possible.